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6' 8" at the age of 15, Peter John Ramos caught the attention of scouts because of his incredible height. He soon became playing for a professional team in Puerto Rico, despite his lack of basketball skills/general intelligence. He started to learn the basics of basketball during his first year on the team and quickly showed the skills that would make him a star for years to come. He progressed quickly and earned team MVP honors in leading his high school team to 2 championships. Ramos also won Most Improved Player in 2002.
During the summer of 2004, Ramos announced his intentions to enter the NBA draft. Many experts had him tabbed as a mid to late first rounder. He ultimately ended up as a second round selection, 32nd overall and a steal, by the Washington Wizards, a team desperate for big man help. He struggled in his initial NBA season.
Because of his lack of production, the Wizards sent him down to the D-League at the start of the 2005-06 season. There he became an all-star and the greatest 7 foot tall Puerto Rican shot-blocker in D-League history. He was rewarded with a call-up to the NBA, which lasted 2 phenomenal days before he was eventually waived by the Wizards in 2006.
Career Accomplishments:
Third Puerto Rican player ever to be drafted into the NBA
2006-07 NBDL All-Star Selection
2006-07 All-NBDL Honorable Mention

Old PJR Interview

Peter John Ramos: I started playing when I was 13. I used to play when I was in New York, but not much. But then, they got me a coach and I started playing seriously.

How tall are you exactly? In some places I've read 7-foot-2, in others 7-foot-3...

PJR: Right now, I weigh 280 pounds and I'm 7-foot-4.
Is it true that you are still growing?

PJR: It could be. I don't know. I don't know for sure.

You declared yourself eligible for the draft three weeks ago. Who advised you to do that?

PJR: Nobody. It was my own decision. It was a decision I made myself. I've been working hard and I think I deserve it. I think it was the best decision for me.

What are your plans for the next two months? Are you going to play in the Puerto Rican league or will you come to the U.S. so that NBA teams can see you?

PJR: I have not made any decision about it yet. I don't know. For now, I'm just going to keep working hard on my game and then we'll see.
Is there any chance that you pull your name out of the draft?

PJR: It's possible. We'll see. If I'm not going to be among the Top 15, I may pull my name out of the draft. But if they are going to take me between 1-15, I'm definitely staying in the draft.

So the 15th pick would be enough for you?

PJR: Yes. Anywhere between the No.1 pick and the 15th pick is fine with me.

If you don't go to the NBA next year, would you consider the possibility of playing in Europe?

PJR: I have not made a decision about it. That's not the plan, but you never know how things are going to work out. We'll see.
Do you follow the NBA much in Puerto Rico?

PJR: Yes.

Any team you like in special?

PJR: I've always liked the Lakers. They have been my favorite team since I was a kid. But if it's about the draft, I don't care about the team. Any team that selects me, I'm going there.
What's your favorite player in the NBA?

PJR: My favorite player is Shaquille O'Neal.

Felix Rivera, the president of your club (Criollos de Caguas), said that you could be a dominant player like Shaq or Yao in a couple of years. Do you agree with him?

PJR: Of course I do. I know that when I get there, I'm going to shine. I know that because I've worked very hard and I'm going to continue working very hard to achieve my goals.
In which areas of your game do you think you have to work on the most?

PJR: I work on everything. I know I have some good things, but I have to work on everything every day.

How would you describe yourself as a player in a few words?

PJR: I would describe myself as a player who works really hard. I pursue my dreams to the fullest. And I'm a player that likes challenges. I would also have to say that I'm very focused on what I do. Very focused.